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Abstract:

An assembly with a device (10) for visual sharing of data includes
processing elements and data storage elements, a touch screen (12), and
network connection elements allowing a connection with one or more
computers (14), for displaying on the sharing device (10) instantaneous
images obtained from connected computers.

Claims:

1-15. (canceled)

16. Assembly that comprises a device (10) for visual sharing of data and
at least one computer (14, 20), in which the device (10) for visual
sharing of data comprises processing means and data storage means, a
touch screen (12), and network connection means allowing a connection
with one or more computers (14, 20), comprises a frame (16) comprising at
least one flange (18) that is adjacent to the touch screen (12) and on
which can be placed one or more notebook computers (20) without them
infringing upon the surface (22) of the touch screen, with the at least
one computer being connected to the local network to which the device
(10) belongs, with said assembly being characterized in that the at least
one computer comprises a software module for sharing data that performs
an instantaneous capture of data to be shared present on the at least one
computer and transmits said instantaneous capture of data to the device
(10) via its network connection means, with said assembly being
characterized in that the device (10) comprises means for displaying said
instantaneous capture in the form of a tag (48) on the touch screen (12)
and for making it possible for users of the assembly to manipulate the
shared data of the tags displayed on the touch screen (12) via said touch
screen.

17. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the flange (18) of the device
(10) for visual sharing of data has a width (W18) that is greater than or
equal to 20 cm.

18. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the flange (18) of the device
(10) for visual sharing of data surrounds the touch screen (12) on its
four sides (24, 26, 28, 30).

19. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the device (10) for visual
sharing takes the form of a desk (32), with the touch screen (12) and the
flange (18) resting horizontally on a base (34).

20. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the flange (18) of the device
(10) for visual sharing of data integrates physical buttons (36) making
it possible for the user to act on the data displayed on the touch screen
(12).

21. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the device (10) for visual
sharing comprises sensors (42) for the connection of external peripherals
of mass storage or a printer.

22. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the device (10) for visual
sharing comprises sensors (44) for power supply for the connection of the
computer or computers (14) connected with the sharing device (10).

23. Method for visual sharing of data, wherein data that are contained in
at least one computer and that have to be shared are displayed on a touch
screen (12) of a device (10) for sharing data comprising processing means
and data storage means, network connection means allowing a connection
with one or more computers (14, 20), and a frame (16) comprising at least
one flange (18) that is adjacent to the touch screen (12) and on which
can be placed one or more notebook computers (20) without them infringing
upon the surface (22) of the touch screen, with the method for visual
sharing being characterized in that it consists in: Connecting at least
one computer (14, 20) with data to be shared with the device (10) for
sharing via the network connection means; Carrying out an instantaneous
capture of data to be shared, present on the connected computer (14, 20),
in the form of an instantaneous image; Transmitting via the computer (14,
20) this instantaneous capture of data to the device (10) for visual
sharing of data via its network connection means; Storing said
instantaneous image in the device (10) for visual sharing of data;
Displaying said instantaneous capture of data in the form of at least one
tag (48, 48-1, 48-2, 48-3) on the touch screen (12).

24. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 24, wherein with
various computers (14, 20) being connected to the sharing device (10) via
its network connection means, various instantaneous captures of data are
carried out on the various connected computers (14, 20), then transmitted
to the sharing device (10) via its network connection means, and
displayed simultaneously in the form of various tags (48-1, 48-2, 48-3)
on the touch screen (12).

25. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein each
instantaneous capture, and therefore the contents of each tag (48, 48-1,
48-2, 48-3), consists of a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional
image of data to be shared that are present on a computer (14, 20)
connected to the sharing device (10).

26. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein each
tag (48, 48-1, 48-2, 48-3) displayed on the touch screen (12) can be
manipulated via the touch screen (12).

27. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 26, wherein at
least one tag (48-1) is linked, via the touch screen (12), to at least
one other tag (48-2) in such a way that the manipulations that are
performed on one of the tags are reflected on the other tag(s).

28. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein the
contents of each tag (48, 48-1, 48-2, 48-3) displayed on the touch screen
can be manipulated via the touch screen (12).

29. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein a
tag (48) or a group of tags (48-1, 48-2, 48-3) can be annotated via the
touch screen (12).

30. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein with
the sharing device (10) comprising physical buttons (36, 38), some or all
of the overall contents of the touch screen (12) can be manipulated via
the physical buttons (36, 38).

31. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 23, wherein with
the visual sharing device (10) comprising sensors (42) for the connection
of external peripherals of mass storage, and a tag (48), a group of tags
(48-1, 48-2, 48-3), and/or with some or all of the overall contents of
the touch screen 12 being backed up regularly in the storage means of the
sharing device (10) during a collaborative work meeting, automatically or
manually via a physical button (36, 38) or a virtual button (54), the
backed-up elements can be exported via the sensors (42).

32. Assembly according to claim 17, wherein the flange (18) of the device
(10) for visual sharing of data surrounds the touch screen (12) on its
four sides (24, 26, 28, 30).

33. Method for visual sharing of data according to claim 24, wherein each
instantaneous capture, and therefore the contents of each tag (48, 48-1,
48-2, 48-3), consists of a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional
image of data to be shared that are present on a computer (14, 20)
connected to the sharing device (10).

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a device for visual sharing of data and
to the method of sharing that is associated with it.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a local sharing of
data, i.e., a sharing of data among various individuals attending a
meeting, in particular in the same location.

[0003] Actually, within an industrial, scientific or educational context,
it is common that a group of individuals meets in the same location for
discussing one or more subjects.

PRIOR ART

[0004] Today, it is common to use a computer for presenting data to
various individuals from the same screen.

[0005] The data that are presented can be made available to the
individuals in attendance, at the time or subsequently, in hard copy or
on a digital medium such as a notebook computer or a touch tablet.

[0006] The data are thus shared, and each individual can annotate them or
modify them on his own medium with additional data, for example obtained
from remarks and comments from the various individuals in attendance, a
solution that proves tedious and impractical when the initial data are to
be augmented.

[0007] It is also common during collaborative work meetings to have to
share information recorded in various specific formats, for example
formats suited to various computer-assisted design (CAD) software. In
these cases, the local sharing of data calls for a computer that is able
to read all of the various formats for centralizing the data to be shared
and to display them on the sharing screen.

[0008] This method, on the one hand, lacks speed and flexibility, and, on
the other hand, proves costly, with most of this creation software having
licenses for their use that require payment.

[0009] In addition, these solutions require the transfers of bulky files
and high-performing material resources for simultaneously launching the
necessary applications if it is desired to avoid a loss of time by
launching an application with each opening of a file. Another drawback of
the known methods relates to the confidentiality of the data provided by
each member of the team who is not protected, in particular when a file
is copied over onto a third-party computer for displaying results there.

[0010] Actually, total access to the data files is to be authorized so
that the computer that centralizes the data can exploit them.

[0011] Consequently, this second method of local sharing of data is not
optimal.

[0012] In the state of the art, sharing means also exist that make it
possible to share a video stream from a computer in real time over a
local network.

[0013] Although these sharing means provide a better solution than the
preceding sharing methods relative to the flexibility and the monitoring
of access to data, it is difficult, and even impossible, to share in real
time the video streams, and therefore the data, obtained from several
computers.

[0014] Actually, despite the increasing performance levels offered by the
local networks, the video streams are growing larger and larger because
of the enhancement in resolution of the screens, and the number of shared
video streams is necessarily to be limited by the maximum bandwidth of
the network that is used.

[0015] Even when a single video stream is shared, latency periods in the
display on the screen of the destination computer can be noted, with the
speed of transfer of a video stream by a local network being slower than
that of a transfer by simple video cable.

[0016] Also, these sharing means in general do not make it possible to
display simultaneously, and side-by-side on the same screen, data
obtained from various computers or miscellaneous sources.

[0017] Solutions that make use of interactive desks, most often touch
desks, making it possible to display digital information, also exist.

[0018] These solutions, however, suffer from the same defects as the other
methods that are cited. Actually, their capacities for transmission,
processing and recovery of information are slow and not very flexible.

[0019] In general, the data are to pass by the file copy to mass storage
peripherals and their new copy on the desk. No means is proposed for
accelerating the exchange in real time of the information that is
accessible on a computer terminal.

[0020] Although they make it possible to display and to manipulate several
items of digital information on a single surface, these solutions are
also limited in the formats, data and exchanges that they can support.

[0021] Actually, it is, for example, impossible to add annotations above
the set or a sub-set of displayed data, coming from miscellaneous sources
and formats, for creating new information enhanced with the expertise of
the users.

[0022] It is also complicated to duplicate the displayed information so
that it is available to each of the users and can be displayed in
complete comfort, while ensuring a synchronization of actions of various
users for making possible a simultaneous update of each of the duplicated
contents. Actually, the existing solutions are concentrated on sending a
tag from one user to another, in which case the initial user no longer
has the contents available.

[0023] Also, the purpose of this invention is to remedy the drawbacks of
the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0024] For this purpose, the invention has as its object an assembly that
comprises a device for visual sharing of data and at least one computer,
or a terminal incorporating a computer, in which the device for visual
sharing of data comprises processing means and data storage means, a
touch screen, and network connection means allowing a connection with one
or more computers or terminals incorporating a computer, with the device
comprising a frame with at least one flange that is adjacent to the touch
screen and on which can be placed one or more computers or terminals
incorporating a computer without them infringing upon the surface of the
touch screen, with the at least one computer or terminal incorporating a
computer being connected to the network to which the device belongs.

[0025] In the assembly, the at least one computer, or terminal
incorporating a computer, comprises client software, active when this
computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, is connected by network
to the device for visual sharing of data, the client software comprising
a series of instructions, which implements the transmission via the
network to the device for visual sharing of data of an instantaneous
image, i.e., a representation of data, in text form or in graphic form,
of the interpretation of said data, of some or all of a screen of the at
least one computer or terminal incorporating a computer following a
predefined action of capture on said computer, or terminal incorporating
a computer.

[0026] In addition, in the assembly, the system comprises software
implementing the storage of an instantaneous image transmitted by the at
least one computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, and jointly the
display on the touch screen, of at least one tag of the stored
instantaneous image, with said software comprising an assembly of logic
units comprising the capacity for interpreting actions of an operator on
the surface (22) of the touch screen for acting on the displayed tag.

[0027] Using the combination of such a flange and network connection
means, the device according to the invention makes possible the sharing
of data between various individuals, simply and in an intuitive manner,
with this sharing being visual with use of the touch screen and making it
possible for the individual displaying data to store the selection of
data that he is transmitting and the confidentiality of his computer
files.

[0028] The invention defines instantaneous image as any means of showing,
recording, and sharing digital information, regardless of size or format.

[0029] This includes, on the one hand, in a conventional way, any digital
file that stores data in a given format.

[0030] In one embodiment, these data comprise the well-known formats that
are JPG, PNG, PDF, DOC, XLS, OBJ, or CATIA.

[0031] This also includes the text information that could be copied or
entered by the user.

[0032] In one embodiment, these data represent a URL or text information
that is sufficient by itself or intended to supplement accessible
information in another instantaneous image.

[0033] Finally, this includes, on the other hand, the capture and the
recording of data that are interpreted and/or displayed on the screen of
a computer terminal.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, these data are a copy in the form of an
image file of all of the pixels displayed on the screen, making it
possible to share the contents of the screen of a user at a specific
moment.

[0035] Advantageously, in this preferred embodiment, this copy in the form
of an image file can be accompanied by a set of metadata recording the
characteristics of contents that are interpreted and/or displayed at the
time of capture of the instantaneous image.

[0036] In another embodiment, these data are a video stream that is
encoded in real time of a screen display, able to be decoded by the means
for processing of the sharing device and thus making it possible to share
remotely the animations of the screen of a terminal.

[0037] In still another embodiment, these data are a recording in image
form of a set of annotations produced above a set of instantaneous
images, with the sharing device itself being considered as a computer
terminal.

[0038] Advantageously, the medium of the set of these instantaneous images
makes it possible for the processing means of the invention to take into
account in a transparent way any digital information, which can thus be
transmitted or displayed either in file form or in screen capture form,
or in video screen sharing form.

[0039] In one embodiment of the set, the capture of an instantaneous image
produced on the computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, comprises
metadata that are predefined in the client software resident on said
computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, if necessary following a
parameterization or an acquisition of data by the user of the computer,
or terminal incorporating a computer, associated with the image and
transmitted to the system with said captured instantaneous image.

[0040] Attributes useful to the information and in particular means of
traceability of the information are thus preserved or added to the
transmitted information.

[0041] In one embodiment, the displayed actions on a tag comprise some or
all of: reducing a tag to an icon and displaying the instantaneous image
corresponding to a tag; manipulating said instantaneous image;
duplicating said instantaneous image; combining a number of instantaneous
images received; enhancing said instantaneous image; annotating said
instantaneous image; archiving said instantaneous image; returning said
instantaneous image, if necessary enhanced, to one or more computers
connected in a network with the device.

[0042] Thus, it is possible to produce on the touch screen manipulations
of images corresponding to information of instantaneous images so as to
make of them a visual access that is clearer and more comfortable to the
participant at a meeting around the device and to acquire new data
relative to these instantaneous images.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one physical
button connected to the processing means and making it possible for a
user to act on the data displayed on the touch screen.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processing means are configured in such a
way that an action on a virtual button displayed on the touch screen
and/or a physical button has the effect of blocking some or all of the
interpretations of some or all of the interactions of an operator on some
or all of the touch screen.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processing means are configured in such a
way that an action on a virtual button displayed on the touch screen
and/or a physical button has the result of producing a capture of an
instantaneous image of data that are interpreted or displayed on the
touch screen and of backing up said instantaneous image in the data
storage means.

[0046] In these embodiments, it is possible to produce quickly and
intuitively high-level instructions on the instantaneous images.

[0047] In one embodiment, the processing means are configured in such a
way that instantaneous images of data captured on the touch screen and
backed-up in the data storage means are accessible by an archiving window
displayed on the touch screen.

[0048] It is thus possible to store traces of actions taken and
intermediate stages of a work meeting, for example for the purpose of
creating a report.

[0049] In one embodiment, the processing means are configured in such a
way that an action on a virtual button displayed on the touch screen
and/or a physical button has the result of activating, and/or
deactivating, annotation functions on some or all of the touch screen.

[0050] It is thus possible to protect certain categories of action by
activating them or deactivating them, optionally independently for each
tag, and even preventing conflicts between actions taken by various
participants on linked tags.

[0051] In one embodiment, the frame of the device is arranged in the form
of a desk into which is integrated the touch screen between four flanges
forming a frame with said touch screen, with said frame having a width
that is greater than or equal to twenty centimeters, and with said frame
preferably comprising sensors for connecting to the local network and/or
sensors for power supply for at least one computer or terminal
incorporating a computer, preferably as many sensors of each type as work
stations provided around the table.

[0052] A device is thus obtained that is particularly ergonomic and that
combines in a suitable form all of the needs of those participating in a
meeting.

[0053] The invention also addresses a method for visual sharing of data in
which data that have to be shared between several individuals are
displayed on a touch screen of a device for visual sharing of data, in
particular a device of the invention, starting from data contained in at
least one computer or a terminal incorporating a computer, which method
for visual sharing of data comprises a preliminary stage of connecting
the at least one computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, a
recognition stage of said computer, or terminal incorporating a computer,
by the device for visual sharing of data and display on a screen of said
at least one computer, or terminal incorporating a computer, of data to
be shared.

[0054] The method then comprises the stages:

[0055] of performing a
capture of data to be shared that are present on the computer or the
terminal incorporating a computer, or terminal incorporating a computer,
previously connected in the form of an instantaneous image;

[0056] of
transmitting by the computer or terminal incorporating a computer the
instantaneous image of data captured with the device for visual sharing
of data via its network connection means;

[0057] of storing said
instantaneous image by the device for visual sharing of data, and

[0058]
of displaying at least one tag on the touch screen that materializes said
instantaneous image on said touch screen of said system for visual
sharing of data.

[0059] Controlled information on which the participants will be able to
work collaboratively is thus exchanged between participants.

[0060] In one implementation, the transmission by the computer or terminal
incorporating a computer is triggered by at least one click on a virtual
button of a client software resident on said computer, or terminal
incorporating a computer, or by a drag and drop of a file in a send
window of said client software.

[0061] The owner of the computer having to transmit an instantaneous image
controls the contents and the time of transmission of information carried
by the instantaneous image.

[0062] In one implementation, the device transmits an instantaneous image
of data that is captured on said device for visual sharing of data, via
the network connection means, to a computer or terminal incorporating a
computer, connected to said network, by at least one click on a tag
displayed on the touch screen and identifying said computer, or terminal
incorporating a computer, or by a drag and drop of a file in said tag.

[0063] It is thus to ensure a simple transmission, in response, of
instantaneous images to the various individuals participating in a
meeting in a collective or selective manner.

[0064] In one implementation, a two-dimensional image or a
three-dimensional image is displayed on the touch screen when the
instantaneous image that is transmitted by the computer or terminal
incorporating a computer corresponds to digital data of a two-dimensional
image or a three-dimensional image.

[0065] The instantaneous images are thus displayed automatically except
when a given metadatum transmitted with the instantaneous image or a
parameterization of the system limits this possibility.

[0066] In one implementation, when an instantaneous image is shown two or
more times by tags displayed on the touch screen, some or all of the
interpretations, made by the device on one of said tags, of actions of an
operator are reflected on all of the other said tags.

[0067] Each participant who uses a tag can therefore follow the work
carried out by one of the participants on a tag.

[0068] In one implementation, the device--in storage means of said
device--stores back-ups of some or all of the images of the touch screen,
said back-ups being made periodically at a defined time interval, and/or
with each action concurrent with an enhancement of information contained
in an instantaneous image and/or on an action of an operator on a virtual
or real button.

[0069] Thus, losing a piece of information that was only temporarily
present on the touch screen and preserving the trace of the proposals are
avoided.

[0070] Of course, with the network connection means being bidirectional,
this sharing method is symmetrical.

[0071] Also, in a preferred embodiment, an instantaneous image that is
produced from the sharing device can be transmitted, and/or stored,
and/or displayed in window form on at least one of the connected computer
terminals.

[0072] The fact of producing simple instantaneous images of data to be
shared and of displaying them on the touch screen in the form of tags
makes it possible to eliminate problems linked to the limitation of the
bandwidth, to control the given access to these data with other users, to
simplify the interactions between the users via the sharing device for
facilitating the understanding by the users of data displayed by the
touch screen, and also to facilitate the archiving of data shared during
a collaborative work meeting.

BRIEF PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0073] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following
description of the invention, a description provided only by way of
example, relative to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0074] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for visual sharing of data
according to the invention,

[0075] FIG. 2 is a side view of a device for visual sharing of data
according to the invention,

[0076] FIGS. 3 to 10 are various screen captures shown diagrammatically
and illustrating the possibilities of sharing data offered by the device
and the method for visual sharing of data according to the invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0077] FIG. 1 diagrammatically exhibits a device 10 for visual sharing of
data according to the invention.

[0078] The device 10 for visual sharing of data comprises means for
processing and means for storing data, a touch screen 12 that is
preferably of the "multitouch" type, and network connection means
allowing a connection with one or more computers 14.

[0080] In the device of the invention, enhancing and annotating data
consists in adding supplemental data to them, for example comments or
modifications submitted by the participants at a collaborative work
meeting, for modifying at least one appearance thereof.

[0081] This sharing device 10 comprises a frame 16 that comprises at least
one flange 18 that is adjacent to the touch screen 12 and on which can be
placed one or more notebook computers and/or one or more mobile terminals
incorporating a computer 20 without encroaching upon the surface 22 of
the touch screen.

[0082] Preferably, this flange 18 has a width W18 that is greater than or
equal to twenty centimeters.

[0083] So as to gather various users all around the touch screen 12, the
flange 18 surrounds the touch screen 12 on its four sides (24, 26, 28,
30).

[0084] In a preferred embodiment whose purpose is to facilitate the
collaborative work, the visual sharing device 10 takes the form of a desk
32, with the touch screen 12 and the flange 18 resting horizontally on a
base 34, as the side view of the device illustrates in FIG. 2.

[0085] Thus, all of the users that are in attendance around the desk 32
can see the data displayed on the touch screen 12 and can perform or
follow manipulations of these data produced during a meeting via the
touch screen.

[0086] The invention defines manipulation as any interaction of a user
having an effect on the displayed data, whose objective can be to carry
out operations on a tag, whose purpose is to create or to access other
contents, or to change its geometric or spatial characteristics that are
absolute or relative to other contents or containers, or on the data that
it contains, whose purpose is to adjust the representation or the
interpretation thereof.

[0087] In one embodiment, the operations on the tags comprise moving them
on a 2D plane, making them undergo rotations, changing their dimensions,
accessing metadata that are associated with them, duplicating them,
annotating them, and pointing out or highlighting particular information.

[0088] In one embodiment, the operations on the contents of the data are
specific to the nature of a manipulated snapshot, and they comprise in
particular carrying out a zoom of an image, manipulating a 3D model, or
moving within a text document.

[0089] Preferably, the base 34 holds the touch screen 12, and the flange
18 has a height H34 that is greater than or equal to 1 meter. Thus,
individuals who are standing can participate in the meeting, and simple
observers have a better viewpoint on the data that are exchanged.

[0090] As a variant, the base 34 can hold the touch screen 12 and the
flange 18 at a lower height H34, such as at around 75 cm for forming a
standard meeting desk or at around 45 cm for forming a low desk.

[0091] Advantageously, the sharing device 10 comprises seats, or stools,
placed around the desk 32 and with a suitable height for ensuring the
comfort of the users of the device 10.

[0093] So as to facilitate certain manipulations of data displayed on the
touch screen 12, in particular by users who are not very accustomed to a
touch manipulation, the flange 18 integrates, if necessary, physical
buttons 36 making it possible for a user to act on the data displayed on
the touch screen 12.

[0094] As a variant, physical buttons 38 can be provided on a box 40 that
is movable and connected to processing means of the sharing device 10.

[0095] In one embodiment, so as to facilitate certain manipulations of the
data displayed on the touch screen 12, and in particular for annotating
supplemental data associated with the latter, the sharing device 10
comprises an electronic stylus 46 that is suitable for operating with the
touch screen 12.

[0096] So as to supplement the means for importing data to be shared, and
to facilitate the exporting of shared data, digitally or on a physical
medium, the visual sharing device 10 comprises sensors 42 for the
connection of external peripherals of mass storage, such as, for example,
a USB key or an external hard disk, or a printer.

[0097] Advantageously, the visual sharing device 10 also comprises power
supply sensors 44 for the connection of the computer(s) 20 connected with
the sharing device 10.

[0098] The sharing device 10 is particularly designed for sharing data
from any type of computer or terminal incorporating a more or less
powerful computer, in particular notebook computers 20, digital tablets,
smartphones, other sharing devices 10 . . . provided that they use
network connection means that are compatible with the means for
connection of the device 10.

[0099] However, the network connection means can also make it possible to
connect, if necessary, an office computer, of the "desktop" type, which
also uses network connection means.

[0100] The connection can be made by cable or by wireless, by radio
connection or by infra-red connection, according to the network
connection means implemented by the sharing device 10.

[0101] Using its network connection means, the sharing device 10 can be
connected to the same local network as the other computers 20.

[0102] Preferably, the sharing device 10 creates, via its system software
and software dedicated to the sharing of data, its own local network,
with the users connecting to this local network in a transparent manner
using the installation of a module of the sharing software on their
computers 20.

[0103] This invention also relates to a method for visual sharing of data
using the device 10 for visual sharing that was just described.

[0104] According to the invention, the visual sharing method consists in:

[0105] Connecting at least one computer 20 that contains data to be
shared by means of the device 10 for sharing via the network connection
means;

[0106] Carrying out a capture of an instantaneous image of data to
be shared that are present on the computer 20 that is connected and
accessible from a screen 14 of said computer;

[0108] Displaying the instantaneous image of data
in the form of a tag 48 on the touch screen 12, as FIG. 3 illustrates.

[0109] Within the framework of a collaborative work, various computers or
terminals comprising a computer 20 of various users are connected to the
sharing device 10 via its network connection means.

[0110] In this case, the method makes it possible that captures of
instantaneous images of data are carried out on various computers or
terminals 20 that are connected, then are transmitted to the sharing
device 10 via its network connection means, and then are displayed
simultaneously in the form of various tags (48-1, 48-2) on the touch
screen 12.

[0111] Each instantaneous image, and therefore the contents of each tag
(48-1, 48-2), consists of a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional
image of open data to be shared on a computer 20 that is connected to the
sharing device 10.

[0112] Within the context of the invention, instantaneous image should be
understood to mean a representation of digital information that is frozen
at a selected moment by an operator.

[0113] A priori, an instantaneous image comprises the representation of
data that have to be displayed in the form of files meeting a standard.
It is possible to act on text information or the representation in
graphic form of the interpretation of the data.

[0114] An instantaneous image can therefore correspond to any type of
digital file, for example the most common files such as those meeting
standards identified in the files of the following types: .JPG, .PNG,
.PDF, .DOC, .ODT, STEP. . . .

[0115] An instantaneous image can also correspond to combinations of
files, for example for containing text information that would be copied
or entered by a user.

[0116] In one embodiment, the data represent a URL or text information
that is sufficient by itself or intended to supplement the accessible
information in another instantaneous image.

[0117] An instantaneous image can result from the capture or the recording
of data interpreted and/or displayed on the screen of a computer
terminal.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, an instantaneous image corresponds to a
set of data forming an image file of some or all of a screen, making it
possible to share the contents of the screen of a user at a given time.

[0119] Advantageously, in this preferred embodiment, said set of data
comprises--in addition to the image file--metadata, generated
automatically and/or generated by the user, providing characteristics of
the contents interpreted and/or displayed at the time of the capture of
the instantaneous image.

[0120] In another embodiment, the data correspond to a video stream
encoded in real time of a screen display, able to be decoded by the
processing means of the sharing device and thus making it possible to
share remotely the animations of the screen of a terminal.

[0121] In another embodiment, the data correspond to a recording in image
form of a set of annotations made above a set of instantaneous images,
with the sharing device (10) being considered as a computer terminal.

[0122] In this context, an instantaneous image is, for example, a
photographic image, by extension a video file, or a screen copy for a
two-dimensional image, or, for example, a three-dimensional
representation of an object that can be manipulated in a virtual space in
three dimensions, such as, for example, an object that is modeled using
three-dimensional design software for a three-dimensional instantaneous
image.

[0123] The invention defines virtual space, in two or three dimensions, as
an imaginary environment, in two or three dimensions, which is created by
a computer and can be displayed on a screen.

[0124] Optionally, a three-dimensional visualization on the touch screen
12 can also be provided using a stereoscopic method, for example.

[0125] The various instantaneous images that can be used by the sharing
device 10 are created in the first place on the computers 20 that are
connected using their system software or programs installed on these
computers for creating, modifying, or simply reading the data that are to
be shared, or starting from other utility programs.

[0126] The various instantaneous images of data on the various connected
computers 20 can be carried out in an automatic manner by the installed
software, but preferably, the captures of instantaneous images are
triggered by the users so as to control the shared contents.

[0127] In one preferred embodiment, a lite program is installed on the
client computers and concentrates the set of communication
functionalities. The user can thus transmit to the device 10 for visual
sharing of data a capture of an instantaneous image of the contents of
his screen by a simple click on a button, or a capture of an
instantaneous image of a file stored on his hard disk by dragging and
dropping the icon of this file on that of the sharing program.

[0128] Advantageously, such a solution makes it possible to transmit any
type of information that can be read by the source computer 20 on which
is carried out the capture of an instantaneous image, and not necessarily
in its native form on the device 10, and accelerates the transfer of
information and the fluidity of the meeting by avoiding storing the
information temporarily on a mass storage peripheral, which can
nevertheless always be used.

[0129] It is important to emphasize the instantaneous nature of the
captures used by the method and the device 10 for visual sharing of data.

[0130] In contrast to methods of collaborative work in which data to be
shared are synchronized in real time between a computer and a sharing
device, this invention makes it possible to facilitate and to automate,
by means of a simplified interface, the sharing of data in the state
where they are displayed at a precise moment on the computer 20 of a user
who desires to share data.

[0131] The sharing can then be repeated as many times as necessary during
a collaborative work meeting.

[0132] Thus, a user can modify the data to be shared on his computer
during the meeting and along the way can share with the other users the
modifications that are made, as he would do by printing out his data with
each new modification.

[0133] In one mode of operation, the display of instantaneous images on
the device 10 of the screen of a computer or a terminal comprising a
connected computer is produced in a continuous manner at enough of a
refresh rate to be perceived as a real-time copying over onto the screen
of the terminal.

[0134] The fact of providing this operation of the sharing device 10
around captures of instantaneous images makes it possible to limit the
use of the bandwidth of the local network, to increase the number of
users that can share data simultaneously, and to improve the speed of
sharing data.

[0135] In a general manner, this operation based on the transmission of
captures of instantaneous images makes it possible to improve the
flexibility of sharing data, with the data being shared on a single
surface 22 and being usable by all of the users.

[0136] This flexibility of the sharing of data also maintains the ergonomy
of the touch interface being displayed on the touch screen 12 and making
it possible for the users to manipulate the shared data.

[0137] Actually, following the sharing method according to the invention
provides that each tag (48, 48-1, 48-2) displayed on the touch screen 12
can be manipulated via the touch screen.

[0138] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate several examples of manipulations of tags
48 allowed by the touch screen 12 with a preferred touch interface.

[0139] As FIG. 4 illustrates, the preferred touch interface comprises a
virtual library 50 of data to be shared taking the form of a first banner
that displays reduced versions of tags corresponding to various captures
of instantaneous images made and shared by the connected computers, for
example during a work session.

[0140] Hereinafter, an operation of the drag-and-drop type from this
library 50 to a desired position of the screen makes it possible to
create a tag 48 that can be exploited on the work space offered by the
surface 22 of the touch screen 12.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment, filters can also be associated with this
library 50 to temporarily select the contents that are displayed there
and to facilitate the search for information.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the preferred touch interface makes it
possible to move a tag 48, for example to position it in front of a user
in particular.

[0143] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the touch interface also makes it
possible to resize a tag 48, to make it smaller or larger, or to make it
pivot, as FIG. 7 illustrates, to orient it correctly in front of a user
in particular or to position it beside other supplemental contents.

[0144] Advantageously, in contrast to known solutions, the sharing and the
manipulation of data are done in an intuitive manner in such a way that
these operations appear natural to the user and they are easily
integrated within his work process.

[0145] The actions identified above on the tags are nonlimiting examples,
and one skilled in the art can use the touch interface for more
possibilities of action on the tags 48.

[0146] For example, the interface can also make it possible to duplicate a
tag so that each user has the same tag available, as paper photocopies
would allow, or to eliminate a tag, for example by making it leave the
work space offered by the surface 22 of the touch screen 12, etc.

[0147] These manipulations of the tags (48, 48-1, 48-2) can be carried out
by touch actions, such as a double tap or sliding of the fingers, or by
virtual buttons 52, for example hooked on each tag, or by virtual buttons
54 that are independent and displayed permanently in the work space
offered by the surface 22 of the touch screen 12.

[0148] An archiving window 56 can also be provided in which the shared
data can be backed up, for example by a drag and drop, during a
collaborative work meeting and in the form of tags, or screen captures of
some or all of the contents of the touch screen 12.

[0149] The shared data that are thus moved to the archiving window 56,
comprising the instantaneous images transmitted to the device 10 and the
associated annotations made by means of the device during the meeting,
are advantageously used for the automatic or assisted generation of a
meeting report.

[0150] Advantageously, the connection means are being [sic]
bi-directional.

[0151] The captures of instantaneous images on the device 10 can also be
sent to at least one of the computers or terminals comprising a computer
connected to the device, thus making it possible to construct a report
during a meeting.

[0152] According to an advantageous functionality and facilitating the
exchanges between the users, the sharing method makes it possible, via
the touch screen 12, to link at least one tag 48-1 to at least one other
tag 48-2 in such a way that manipulations performed on one of the tags,
for example annotations, are reflected in real time on the other tag(s).

[0153] Thus, it is possible that each user has a tag that is duplicated in
front of him on which he follows the manipulations performed by another
user on another tag.

[0154] According to an improved functionality of the sharing of data, the
sharing method can also provide that the contents of each tag 48
displayed on the touch screen 12 can be manipulated via the touch screen
12.

[0155] For example, the touch interface can provide virtual control
buttons based on the contents of each tag.

[0156] Thus, the touch interface can offer the usual commands for reading
a video file or can make it possible to move a virtual object into a
virtual environment in two or three dimensions, to highlight a zone of
the contents of a tag, or to launch animations, etc.

[0157] Advantageously, by combining the manipulation of the contents with
the linking of tags, the contents of a duplicated tag in front of various
users can be manipulated directly by the user sharing his data, based on
the requirements of his presentation.

[0158] For example, the highlighting function associated with the linking
of the tags can be used to provide precise explanations on the contents
of a tag.

[0159] According to another functionality whose purpose is to improve the
exchanges between users, the method for visual sharing of data provides
that a tag 48 or a group of tags (48-1, 48-2, 48-3) can be annotated by
supplemental data via the touch screen 12, as FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate
respectively.

[0160] These annotations can be carried out by a user by touch, or by
using an electronic stylus 46 offering more precision, on the tag(s) or
close to the latter.

[0161] Advantageously, by combining the annotation with the linking of the
tags, various users can observe directly the annotations produced by each
individual on the contents of one tag or of several tags duplicated in
front of each of them.

[0162] When the sharing device 10 comprises physical buttons (36, 38),
advantageously some or all of the overall contents of the touch screen 12
can be manipulated via these physical buttons (36, 38).

[0163] For example, the physical buttons (36, 38) make it possible to
carry out actions such as the elimination or the back-up of all or part
of the overall contents of the touch screen 12, for example by a capture
of a tag by itself as illustrated by the frames in FIG. 8 or a tag and an
annotation as illustrated by the frames in FIG. 10, or to launch the
functionalities of annotation, duplication, and linking, etc.

[0164] In one preferred embodiment, one of the functions ensured by at
least one of the physical buttons (36, 38) is to block some or all of the
interpretations of some or all of the interactions on some or all of the
touch screen 12. In this way, advantageously, at least a portion of the
users can touch, highlight, indicate, show the contents that are present
on the touch screen 12 without triggering interactions with these
contents.

[0165] In a general manner, the sharing method advantageously provides
that some or all of the overall contents of the touch screen 12 can also
be manipulated by the virtual buttons 54 to carry out the same actions as
those produced with the physical buttons (36, 38), or to carry out
supplemental actions.

[0166] Thus, a virtual button displayed on the touch screen 12 can also
make it possible to block some or all of the interpretations of some or
all of the interactions on some or all of the touch screen 12.

[0167] The zone that said virtual button occupies on the screen preferably
preserves some or all of its interactive nature.

[0168] For example, the physical buttons (36, 38) or the virtual buttons
54 make it possible to back up a tag 48, a group of tags (48-1, 48-2,
48-3), and/or some or all of the overall contents of the touch screen 12
regularly in the storage means of the sharing device 10 during a
collaborative work meeting.

[0169] Advantageously, supplemental data, such as a date-time stamp or a
date of the last modification, can be added to the backed-up data, for
example in the form of "tags."

[0170] The method of backing up a tag 48, a group of tags (48-1, 48-2,
48-3), and/or some or all of the overall contents of the touch screen 12
can also be automated.

[0171] Preferably, following the sharing method, the backed-up elements
can be exported via the sensors 42 for the connection of external mass
storage peripherals, in particular for the purpose of producing a report
of the meeting or an archiving.

[0172] The research leading to these results benefitted from financial
support of the seventh program-framework of the European Union (7th
PC/2007-2013) by virtue of Agreement No. 242411.